When someone is charged with a crime, they risk spending years in jail, facing high fines, and obtaining a criminal record. That being said, certain crimes carry different penalties. In most cases, misdemeanor charges are reserved for crimes that are on the lower end of the spectrum, while felony charges are generally reserved for the most serious crimes. Read on and reach out to our New York criminal defense attorney to learn more about the difference between felony and misdemeanor charges in NYS. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What happens if I am charged with a misdemeanor crime in NY?
If you are convicted of a misdemeanor offense, you will spend a maximum of one year in jail–no more. The amount of time you spend in jail depends on the degree of misdemeanor you were charged with. There are Class A misdemeanors, Class B misdemeanors, and unclassified misdemeanors. Class A misdemeanors warrant up to 1 year in jail and Class B misdemeanors warrant up to 90 days in jail. Unclassified misdemeanors are crimes that are outside of the Penal Law, and if you are charged with one, the consequences you will face depend on the specifics of your crime. Generally, misdemeanor crimes warrant you appearing in local criminal court.
What happens if I am charged with a felony crime in New York?
Felonies come with far harsher penalties than misdemeanors. There are five different classes of felonies that you may be charged with. Class A (the harshest), Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E (the lowest-level). Class A felonies often are for violent crimes, such as murder, rape, and more. If you are facing felony charges, you will most likely be prosecuted by an indictment voted on by a grand jury. Unfortunately, any felony charge can drastically impact an individual’s life for years to come, or even indefinitely, which is why if you are facing felony or misdemeanor charges, it is critical that you retain the services of a knowledgeable Rockland County criminal defense attorney who can work to mount the best defense possible on your behalf. If you have any further questions, give us a call today.
Contact our experienced Rockland County firm
Those facing criminal charges in New York need a strong Rockland County defense attorney who knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. Fortunately, our firm is ready to put over 30 years of experience to work for you. Call today or contact The Law Office of Carl Spector online to schedule a free confidential consultation. We are ready to help you go on living life positively, happily, and free from the burdens of a criminal conviction–all you have to do is ask.
